Here is a detailed, step-by-step Bay Leaf and Clove Herbal Tea recipe, including preparation method, proportions, flavor profile, and serving guidance.

Bay Leaf and Clove Herbal Tea

Yield: 2 cups (480 ml)
Texture: Clear, light amber herbal infusion
Flavor: Warm, mildly spicy, slightly bitter with sweet aromatic notes

Ingredients

3 dried bay leaves (whole)
4 whole cloves
2 cups (480 ml) water
1–2 teaspoons honey (optional)
1 thin slice fresh ginger (optional for warmth)
1 small cinnamon stick (optional for depth)

Use whole spices for best flavor. Avoid ground spices, as they make the tea cloudy and gritty.

Equipment

Small saucepan
Lid
Fine mesh strainer
Mug or teapot

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse Ingredients

Quickly rinse bay leaves and cloves under cool water to remove dust. Pat dry.

Step 2: Heat the Water

Pour 2 cups water into a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Water should reach a steady simmer, not a violent boil.

Step 3: Add Spices

Add bay leaves and cloves to the boiling water.
If using ginger or cinnamon, add now.

Reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Simmer

Cover the saucepan.
Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.

Longer simmer = stronger flavor.

Visual cue:

Liquid turns light amber to golden brown.
Aromatic steam with warm spice scent.

Step 5: Steep

Turn off heat.
Let tea steep, covered, for an additional 5 minutes for fuller extraction.

Step 6: Strain

Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a mug or teapot.
Discard solids.

Tea should be clear and smooth, not cloudy.

Step 7: Sweeten (Optional)

Add honey while warm and stir until dissolved.

Taste before sweetening — some prefer it unsweetened for medicinal use.

Flavor Profile

Bay leaf: Herbal, slightly floral, mildly bitter
Clove: Warm, sweet-spicy, slightly numbing
Combined: Earthy, soothing, aromatic

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot for relaxation or soothing effect.
Best enjoyed in the evening.
Can be reheated once if needed.

Storage

Store in refrigerator up to 24 hours.
Reheat gently (do not boil again).

Traditional Uses (Folk Herbal Practice)

Commonly consumed for:

Digestive comfort
Cold-season support
Mild bloating relief
Warming circulation

This tea is not a medical treatment but is traditionally used as a soothing herbal beverage.

Strength Adjustment Guide

Milder tea:

2 bay leaves + 3 cloves
Simmer 8 minutes

Stronger tea:

4 bay leaves + 6 cloves
Simmer 15–20 minutes

Bay leaf and clove herbal tea